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Honeymoon? Speaking recently of


Honeymoon?

Speaking recently of MISSED anniversaries, it occurs to me that this time four years ago, my daughter and hubby were on their Honeymoon. Strange word, I thought. Wonder where the term came from? Ever the word-smith, here's what I found:

The first (or only) full moon in June is called the Honey Moon. Tradition holds that this is the best time to harvest honey from the hives.

This time of year, between the planting and harvesting of the crops, was the traditional month for weddings. This is because many ancient peoples believed that the "grand [sexual] union" of the Goddess and God occurred in early May at Beltaine. Since it was unlucky to compete with the deities, many couples delayed their weddings until June. June remains a favorite month for marriage today. In some traditions, "newly wed couples were fed dishes and beverages that featured honey for the first month of their married life to encourage love and fertility. The surviving vestige of this tradition lives on in the name given to the holiday immediately after the ceremony: The Honeymoon."


So, kids, congratulations on your fourth anniversary. YOU DID REMEMBER, didn't you? Have some honey on your toast as you scurry off to jobs and childcare. After the first one, the Honeymoon is over. It's still a "grand union", though. Right? Anyone? Anyone?

Posted by fred1st on June 21, 2002 7:16 AM |

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